Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Oxaliplatin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte losses, and azithromycin adds further QT risk. The combination may raise the chance of torsades de pointes in patients receiving chemotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Oxaliplatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, aggravated by oxaliplatin-related hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
What to do
Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If combined, check ECG and keep potassium and magnesium replete.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Oxaliplatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte losses, and azithromycin adds further QT risk. The combination may raise the chance of torsades de pointes in patients receiving chemotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If combined, check ECG and keep potassium and magnesium replete.
What other medicines interact with Azithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azithromycin with, for example, Cisapride, Domperidone, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Azithromycin page.
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